Footlights’ Showchoir Returns with ‘Down The Hatch’: Songs, Stories, and a Semi-Immersive Saloon

Since 2011, the Edinburgh University Footlights’ Showchoir has offered space for musically minded theatre students to explore complex narratives through song and choreography. This year’s production, Down The Hatch, runs 27–29 March 2025 at Pleasance Courtyard, and aims to explore ideas of identity, memory, and connection—all within the familiar, timeworn setting of a local tavern.

The Quinntessential Review put a few questions to Juliet Gentle and Tegan Taylor – co-directors of the upcoming extravaganza.

A Tavern Setting Rooted in Community and History

“A tavern seemed like the perfect choice considering the fact that Juliet studies History, and Tegan works in a bar. Taverns have also long been places for communities to gather, discuss current affairs, and sing old Folk songs, where stories intertwine and friendships are formed in a way that we don’t necessarily see anymore in modern settings. So it seemed only natural for this to be the setting of the show, especially considering the heavy emphasis we place on folk music in our Showchoir.”

An Eclectic Musical Repertoire with a Narrative Focus

Folk music is one of several threads woven through a score that moves across genres and styles. The intention is to allow performers to express distinct personal histories while building a shared emotional arc.

“Showchoir was very much a collaborative process. When we entered the rehearsal room, we had preliminary song choices for our cast, but gave them the option to change them if they wished. This has led to our particular Showchoir having an eclectic mix of Frank Sinatra, anonymous Gaelic poetry, contemporary musical theatre, Amerikana country music, and numbers from soundtracks such as The Greatest Showman. Obviously, we can’t give too much away, but we can promise that all of these songs were chosen with the caveat that they had to assist the narrative.”

“This has given our Showchoir a truly cohesive narrative, facilitating the spirit of community which remains a core theme throughout the show.”

A Semi-Immersive Approach to Audience Engagement

This year’s show also incorporates a semi-immersive format, in which choreography is staged to bring the action closer to the audience—sometimes literally. It’s a theatrical strategy that continues to grow in popularity, though it is tricky to pull off!

“You’ll have to come and see! There’s very little we can say, but at the least, we can promise a healthy dose of audience interaction, fourth wall breaks, and amazing choreography (by Amrit Gill and Aaron Venter) performed up-close so no one misses out on the action. We want our audience to feel like they aren’t just watching the stories, but are actively participating in them as well.”

Representation and Collaboration at the Core

The production was devised with a focus on representation and inclusivity—not only in casting, but in the artistic forms on show.

“As Directors, our first and foremost aim was to highlight the incredible talent of our cast, who, through a collaborative approach to the rehearsal process, brought their own histories to each rehearsal. By focusing on what makes each performer unique, we were able to play to the strengths of each individual cast member, facilitating an inclusive space.”

“We also capitalised on this through a wide variety of genres throughout the three musical theatre disciplines. For choreography, we have Tango, Jazz, Belly Dance, Whacking, Tap, Ballet and Contemporary dance. In terms of singing, we have Gaelic songs, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Amerikana country, made-for-TV songs, Frank Sinatra and even old Turkish songs. In terms of acting, every actor has their own individual narrative, which is interwoven with the other sixteen characters in the Tavern to create a seamless, cohesive final product with something to offer for everyone.”

A Production That Reflects Footlights’ Broader Ethos

As with previous Footlights productions, Down The Hatch reflects both the ambitions of the group and the collaborative ethos that underpins it. The company describes a process where backstage and onstage teams have worked closely to create a layered, multi-sensory experience.

“Footlights has always been about showcasing the best of Edinburgh University Theatre’s talent – and this Showchoir does just that. It highlights the West-End worthy performance of our actors, singers and dancers, as well as the extraordinary organisational ability of our backstage crews who brought the world of Down The Hatch to life with set, costumes and props; the brilliant lighting and sound designs elevate the actors’ voices.”

“The tireless musical direction and arrangements from Sam Burgess and Henry Jensen took the original material of the songs and made them bigger and better. The entrancing and ambitious choreography captures everyone’s eye in the rehearsal rooms.”

“The incredible dedication and effort put in by every single person on this team truly proves the love and community that encapsulates the very essence behind the Footlights society. In creating a show whose core theme is community, we found our own little community in the process, and that is evident in the final product you’ll see on stage in March.”

Featured Image: The Full Cast of Down the Hatch – Credit EU Footlights

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For more information on Down The Hatch, or the work of the Footlights Showchoir, click here.

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